The Departed undoubtedly emerged as the biggest winner — Best Editing, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture.
Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio had finally gotten their wish.
Martin wondered whether Leonardo would continue on the same path now that he had finally taken home the golden statuette.
He glanced at the guy's slightly plump figure and the uncle-like features beginning to show on his face... That youthful, green charm was long gone.
This guy's lack of physical upkeep was practically a textbook case of how not to age in Hollywood. He'd better stick to serious, award-bait roles from now on.
As Martin drove away, he noticed that the demonstrators who had gathered earlier on Highland Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard were still there.
They held up signs reading: "Oppose discrimination against women! Support equal pay for actresses!" and shouted slogans intermittently.
What stood out was that the majority of the demonstrators were men. Martin couldn't tell whether they were genuinely passionate about the cause… or simply hired hands.
He picked up the phone and said, "Drew, my Twilight adaptation project is ready for greenlighting. We'll cast through open auditions. We need to build some buzz first and start filming no later than next year."
As the feminist movement continued to gain traction, it was inevitable that the direction of mainstream commercial cinema would be affected. "Women-centric" films would soon become a major Hollywood trend.
In the original timeline, even the Disney princesses — once confined to coffins or locked in castles waiting to be rescued — had started saving themselves on screen.
And among these women-led projects, the two most profitable ones were already in Martin's hands.
He allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction.
The ceremony might be over, but the stars' night was far from it.
Next up was the Oscar Night afterparty hosted by Vanity Fair, where celebrities would continue to bask in media attention.
Luxury cars rolled into the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel — Martin's among them.
...
At the party, Drew, who had arrived earlier, found Martin. The two were just about to discuss updates to The Twilight Saga when an elegant couple approached them arm in arm.
"Hello, Martin!"
"Hello, Michael!"
"Hi, Martin!"
"Hi, Catherine!"
It was Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones — Hollywood's so-called "model couple."
But Martin knew the "model" label was only surface-deep.
In 2010, Michael Douglas was diagnosed with throat cancer. The star of Wall Street and other Hollywood classics nearly died.
He spent six months undergoing treatment and eventually recovered — largely thanks to the care and support of Catherine.
From the outside, it all looked like a beautiful love story that reinforced their "model couple" status.
But—heh—it wasn't that simple.
At the time, the public believed Douglas's illness stemmed from years of smoking and drinking.
Then came the bombshell: in an interview with The Guardian, Michael claimed his cancer was caused by an HPV infection contracted through oral sex.
That confession went viral, and furious netizens berated him online: "How could you embarrass Catherine Zeta-Jones like that? Nothing is more humiliating for a family!"
His comments shattered the wholesome family image they had carefully cultivated for over a decade. Catherine suffered a breakdown and was later hospitalized for manic depression.
Even worse, Michael tried to backpedal, accusing The Guardian of misrepresenting his words.
Unfortunately for him, The Guardian wasn't having it — they released the full interview recording.
And just like that... it was confirmed.
Still, the couple hadn't split. On the surface, they remained Hollywood's "loving model couple."
What puzzled Martin was: what were they doing talking to him?
"Martin, I'd like to ask a small favor," Michael began. "My son from a previous marriage, Cameron Douglas…"
After a few polite exchanges, Michael revealed his real purpose.
He wanted opportunities for his eldest son. And Martin was likely just one of several industry contacts he'd approached — the man had probably invited execs from other studios too.
Nothing unusual there. Hollywood ran on personal connections.
"His acting is passable. He's not picky about the role — even a line or two will do…"
Martin nodded politely.
After the couple walked away, he turned to Drew. "It's fine to throw Cameron Douglas a bone, but if anyone on our crew is caught with DU, they're gone — no exceptions."
(GodOfReader: "DU" is left ambiguous — possibly referring to drugs, as in "drug use.")
Martin remembered clearly: in 2008 — just next year — Cameron Douglas would be sentenced to five years in prison for drug trafficking. Michael even wrote a letter to the court pleading for leniency.
Martin had no intention of letting his productions get dragged into any scandal.
Drew, ever sharp, caught the subtext immediately.
"Don't worry. Cameron's reputation in the industry is awful — everyone knows he's toxic. If he shows up on our set, I'll have someone keep an eye on him."
At midnight, the party wrapped up.
Martin and Drew returned to his Beverly Hills home.
The two of them stayed up working late into the night.
Eventually, their activities woke up Jessica and Scarlett, who had already gone to bed — and they joined in too.
After the Oscars, Martin had fully switched back into work mode.
He had two major directing projects lined up this year: Iron Man, already in production — and District 9.
To avoid plot overlaps, Martin had written District 9's story back in 2004 and published it in Science Fiction World magazine.
The following year, a director named Neill Blomkamp adapted it into a short film titled Alive in Joburg.
To secure the rights, Blomkamp had personally approached Meyers Pictures and spoken with Martin at length.
Martin confirmed that this was indeed the same Blomkamp who'd directed District 9 in the original timeline.
Naturally, Martin wasn't about to hand over such a promising project — but he did grant permission for the short film.
His plan was to hire Blomkamp as an assistant director on District 9, helping him on set.
Martin remembered from his time in Huaxia that Blomkamp was a deeply thoughtful sci-fi filmmaker.
His future projects — Elysium, District 9, Chappie, and others — were all rich with ideas and social commentary.
Such a person might be valuable down the line, and Martin was more than happy to make a connection.
[GodOfReader: This is the last chapter for today, i'm so tired and barely breathing right now]